Daily Archives: April 18, 2014

1. An eagle flew right over our house. I was in the backyard watching the dogs play, we were about to go on our morning walk, and a huge bird flew right over our heads. At first, I assumed it was a crow, but realized quickly it was too big to be a crow and it had a white head and bright yellow beak. It would have made a beautiful picture, brown black wings spread against the bluest of sky, but I didn’t have my camera so you’ll just have to take my word for it.

2. Play date with Franklin, Ringo’s biological brother. I confess, I was a bit worried Ringo might be a jerk. He doesn’t always play nice or even like other dogs, can get scared or bark too much, growl and snap if he gets cornered. I didn’t need to worry. Ringo and Franklin loved each other, played and played. They never got too rough or too rowdy. Ringo was sad when Franklin left, went to the door and whined. I wish they lived even closer, that I could borrow Franklin for a few hours every day. As much as Sam and Ringo play, it’s not that full on five month old puppy kind of play.

3. Strawberries. We still don’t have any local fruit, but the ones at the store are tasting more like the real thing.

4. Sam is still doing really well. Hallelujah.

5. Taking care of the dogs by myself. I know there are people, parents and caretakers and dog people, who do this all the time, every day, always, and I am so impressed, amazed, gobsmacked that they do — but I don’t. Eric has been gone since Wednesday morning at a conference, will be home in a few hours, so I was a single mom for a few days. I didn’t kill anyone and no one died, got sick or hurt. I walked both dogs by myself twice a day, picked up their poop, took care of everyone’s meals and medication, made sure they got enough naps and play. I got covered in poop once, pulled various kinds of poop and dead things out of Ringo’s mouth, along with two cactus spines out of his nose. I had a play date and took Ringo to his final two hour basic obedience class. I even managed to work. The best thing about it is I didn’t get depressed or overwhelmed. I felt capable, confident, and calm — that’s huge.